tortellini and pesto recipe

tortellini and pesto recipe

The Best tortellini and pesto recipe

I have to say, I’m a big fan of this tortellini and pesto recipe. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress my family and friends. I first tried it at a Italian restaurant when I was in college, and I was hooked from the very first bite.

The combination of the creamy pesto sauce and the cheese-filled tortellini is just perfect. It’s a match made in heaven, if you ask me. And the best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Just throw some pasta, pesto sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese into a pan and you’re good to go. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to be a part of this recipe. They love watching the cheese melt and the sauce simmer.

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking without making a mess. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love pasta? It’s a staple in our household, and I’m sure it is in yours too.

But what makes this recipe truly special is the history behind it. Tortellini is a classic Italian dish that dates back to the 14th century. It’s believed to have originated in the town of Castelfranco Emilia in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

The name ‘tortellini’ literally means ‘twisted little doughs.’ And that’s exactly what they are – twisted little pieces of pasta filled with meat or cheese. The tradition of making tortellini has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and it’s a testament to their skill and creativity in the kitchen.

Tortellini with Pesto

Tortellini with Pesto

4.9 from 1008 votes

A quick and flavorful dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Tortellini

20 oz fresh cheese tortellini
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the fresh tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3 to 4 minutes, until they float and are tender but still firm to the bite.
3While the pasta cooks, make the pesto.
4In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.
5Pulse until finely chopped, then with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.
6Season with salt to taste.
7Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the tortellini in a colander.
8Transfer the drained tortellini to a large skillet or bowl and immediately toss with the prepared pesto, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
9Serve the tortellini warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
10The dish is ready when the pasta is evenly coated and the pesto is fragrant and bright green.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Food processor or blender
Colander
Large skillet or bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For a nut-free pesto, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them. You can also use store-bought pesto to save time.

Watch Video Of How Tortellini with Pesto Works

This tortellini and pesto recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a quick and easy meal for your family.

My kids love helping me make it because they know how much fun we’ll have together in the kitchen (and how delicious it will taste afterwards).

We like serving it with some garlic bread on the side – it adds an extra layer of flavor that complements everything perfectly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tortellini with Pesto

Q: What is tortellini?

Tortellini is a type of stuffed pasta that consists of thin sheets of pasta wrapped around fillings such as meat, cheese, or herbs.

Q: What is pesto?

Pesto is a sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto as a substitute for homemade pesto.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the pesto sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or spinach to the pesto sauce for added flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover tortellini?

You can store leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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